Anthony Lloyd, 17, of Audenshaw, who stole jewellery and cigarettes during the riots in Manchester, could now be hauled back to court after falsely claiming he was a member of the British judo team in a desperate plea for leniency.

A teenage looter who took part in the Manchester riots lied to a court about being an Olympic hopeful in a desperate bid to avoid jail, the M.E.N can reveal.

Anthony Lloyd, 17, could now be hauled back to court after falsely claiming he was a member of the British judo team in a desperate plea for leniency.

A letter was presented to the judge at Manchester Magistrates Court backing up the claim after Lloyd was caught with pockets bulging with jewellery and cigarettes when riots tore through Manchester on 9 August.

Lloyd managed to convince his unwitting legal team he was a promising judo star and his defence lawyer Estelle Parkhouse told the court: "A custodial sentence would impair his prospects with the squad and being part of the Olympics."

But the M.E.N has discovered Ms Parkhouse had been misled and Lloyd has never performed for Great Britain at any level.

Angry bosses at the British Judo Association told the M.E.N. that while he is a member of a local club he is 'a million miles away' from being anywhere near the national squad.

A spokesman said: "Mr Lloyd has never represented us at any level and it's wrong for anyone to describe him as an Olympic hopeful. He represents a club but has never been in any GB trials or anywhere near any of our squads."

It is understood the case could now be re-opened if the court feels it has been misled.

Lloyd, who was locked up for eight months, may now face further charges of perjury should judges decide to bring him back into the dock.

He could also be hauled before Crown Court if the offence is considered serious enough.

Lloyd was stopped by police at 9.30pm at the height of the shameful scenes in Manchester.

Officers found the teen, of Hanover Road South, Audenshaw, carrying £66 worth of cigarettes stolen from a looted newsagents and a collection of costume jewellery which he said he had picked up off the floor and was going to give to his girlfriend.

Lloyd's parents and brother were in court to hear District Judge Jonathan Taaffe describe the case as 'most tragic'.

The judge said he accepted Lloyd had led a 'blameless existence' and had 'an excellent future and was a talented sportsman'.

But after reading glowing references from his family and parish priest the judge told him: "It is my duty to impose a custodial sentence in this matter.

"The public have to be aware that people who choose to become involved in large scale public disorder, rioting and looting, will be severely punished.

"If you had been 18 and appeared at the Crown Court the starting point would be two years imprisonment."

The judge went on: "I hope you rebuild your life and continue to be an otherwise respectable citizen and an example to other people.

"The tragedy in this case is not only the damage that was caused to the reputation of Manchester - but the fact to some extent that your life has been ruined.

"And you have brought shame on your family who have stood by you and will continue to do so.

"On this night the centre of Manchester and Salford resembled a battlefield and the public throughout the country were shocked and sickened by what they saw."

Lloyd, who burst into tears as the sentence was read out, said he had been stupid and had gone into the city against his grandparents' advice out of curiosity.

"I wasn't planning anything, I just got caught up in everything. I am deeply sorry", he added.

After the hearing Lloyd's lawyer Estelle Parkhouse later issued a statement outside court on behalf of Lloyd, saying: "I am sincerely remorseful for my actions and would do anything to give back to the community what I have taken from them.

“I wouldn't have normally have done what I did. I got carried away with myself and I am genuinely sorry and embarrassed by my behaviour that night.”

It is understood attempts to check the bogus claim were made by the defence team.

But they were unable to contact the GB team as they were in action abroad.